10 High Pinene Strains To Energize Your Next Sesh

Pinene may not be the most common terpene in cannabis (it’s fourth on the list) but this deliciously aromatic terp certainly shows up often enough that you should know about it. Pinene brings with it a breath of fresh air and an uplifting vibe that’s sure to please folks who enjoy an energetic experience.

We touched on this iconic terp with its recognizable woodsy, spicy scent in our cannabis terpenes guide, and here we’ll take a closer look at pinene-rich cannabis strains you can find in the dispensary.

Jack Herer

This iconic cultivar (AKA strain) has a complex terpene profile that includes pinene (alpha-pinene, to be specific). It doesn’t take a lot of pinene to make an impact, either — just 0.25% pinene content by weight is enough to make Jack Herer a pinene-forward choice. You’ll notice this terpene in the piney, woody scent of the flowers and the energetic, uplifting high this cultivar is beloved for.

Average pinene content: 0.25%

Average THC content: 20%

Average CBD content: 0%

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Blue Dream

This sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its balanced effects, delivering a heady high sensation while relaxing the body. It doesn’t smell much like pinene, but this terpene’s influence appears in the uplifting, energetic effects of this cultivar.

Average pinene content: 0.28%

Average THC content: 25%

Average CBD content: > 0.1%

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Double Grape

A cross between Sour Stomper and Grape Crinkle, Double Grape hides its pinene content behind a scent of sweet and sour grapes. You’ll notice it more in the effects, which combine pinene’s talent for relaxation and uplifting feelings into a sweetly balanced high.

Average pinene content: 0.15%

Average THC content: 22%

Average CBD content: 0.5%

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Gelato

Gelato is a well-known and much-loved strain popular with cultivators and consumers alike. This cultivar regularly tests for notable levels of both alpha and beta-pinene, although you’d never know it by the sweet scent. However, it has pinene’s classically energizing effects, and some people report that it puts them in an affectionate mood.

Average pinene content: 1.0%

Average THC content: 24%

Average CBD content: 0.2%

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White Cherry Gelato

With Gelato as a parent strain, it’s no surprise that White Cherry Gelato has high levels of pinene. This cultivar is a heavy hitter, regularly testing about 25% THC, so beginners beware. The sweet, berry aroma hides both alpha and beta-pinene, but many consumers report that this strain has a creeping sedative effect, making it perfect for the end of the day.

Average pinene content: 1.0%

Average THC content: 25%

Average CBD content: 0.2%

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Mandarin Zkittlez

Also called Mandarin Z or Mandarin Zkittles, this strain’s citrus aroma hides its pinene content. It’s known for delivering a relaxing body high that keeps the mind uplifted and euphoric, the perfect strain for a wake-and-bake or mid-day toke.

Average pinene content: 0.17%

Average THC content: 22%

Average CBD content: 0%

Melonade

Melonade is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a sweet, citrusy scent hiding the pinene content. But this terpene comes through in this strain’s euphoric, heady high and body relaxation. Don’t let the 22% fool you: consumers report this strain as heavy-hitting.

Average pinene content: 0.27%

Average THC content: 22%

Average CBD content: 0%

Cherry Bomb

The complex scent of Cherry Bomb reveals its pinene content if you can get past the berry whiff to the spicey afternote. It also has classic pinene effects, energizing, uplifting, and a heady, euphoric high that lends well to socializing or getting creative.

Average pinene content: 0.15%

Average THC content: 20%

Average CBD content: 0%

Grape Ape

Named for its distinct grape aroma, Grape Ape has a moderate THC percentage that makes this strain approachable for new consumers. Although it doesn’t smell like pinene, this terp makes its appearance in the relaxing and pain-reducing effects of this strain.

Average pinene content: 0.6%

Average THC content: 19%

Average CBD content: 0%

Limoncello

Limoncello smells like you might expect: a vibrant lemon-citrus aroma. You might think limonene is the dominant terpene because of its scent, but despite the lemon grove aroma, pinene is the dominant terpene, with distinctly energizing effects and a heady high experience. Many people report a burst of euphoria and a desire to socialize after consuming.

Average limonene content: 0.5%

Average THC content: 18%

Average CBD content: 0%

What is the difference between alpha-pinene and beta-pinene?

Alpha and beta-pinene are pretty similar. Without getting too scientific, the main differences between them are the compound’s molecular structure and the aroma.

Alpha-pinene is largely responsible for the classic pine scent you now know and love, and is more commonly found in cannabis cultivars.

Beta-pinene smells earthy and fresh but with more of a spicy note, similar to basil. These two compounds are also studied for different effects, but alpha-pinene is more common in research.

What else is Pinene found in?

Pinene is found in many plants because it’s the most abundant terpene in the world. You know the woodsy, sweet, spicy scent from pine trees and all other coniferous trees, but it’s also present in high quantities in dill, basil, rosemary, parsley, and pine nuts.

How does Pinene make you feel?

Pinene is popular in aromatherapy because people feel relaxed, similar to walking through the woods. In cannabis, cultivars rich in pinene are often reported to be energizing and invigorating.

Does Pinene make you sleepy?

Studies in aromatherapy have shown that alpha-pinene may make you feel relaxed, but cultivars high in pinene are often reported to be energizing. It may come down to your unique endocannabinoid system, so test out a few pinene strains and see how they make you feel.

Trying pinene-dominant strains with The Travel Agency

Terpenes play an important role in your cannabis experience, and understanding which terpenes are in your products can help you better tailor your cannabis consumption to your specific needs. The next time you stop in to visit The Travel Agency or take some time to peruse our online menu, take note of the terpene profile each cannabis product has to offer.

To learn more about the most common cannabis terpenes and how they affect your experience, check out our guides on other terps like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. Not sure what to look for? Ask a budtender to help you find a pinene-dominant strain next time you’re in the store, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right cannabis product for your goals.